Looking to buy Can Am Spyder in the Spring

[burgman]

I have a Suzuki 650 Burgman trike at the present time and love the bike as I have a bad knee and can't hold up a two wheel heavy bike. I prefer one with the automatic transmission as the Burgman is a twist and go yet I can shift if need be.

I rather intrigued with this Spyder reading post on this thread. I have seen them up close at bike events, never ridden on one. Was wondering about riding a long distance. With my Burgman trike i can ride 200 miles comfortably as the seat is soft and I have room to move my legs on the floorboards. How does the Spyder stack up for long rides?

I want the touring edition maybe a used one 2016 or 2017 maybe a demo or may need to buy from a individual or dealer. I was also looking at the back tire. I have read that it is best to get a car tire on the rear as it will last much longer that the tires that come with the bike. Would it be best to have the car tire put on by the dealer? Would the dealer even recommend a car tire on the bike?

This being a heavy bike much like my Burgman trike I get now around 40 mpg. How many miles per gallon does the Spyder get?

Thanks

Les

[Big Juice]

I've had my Spyder for a year and a half, put about 16,000 miles so far on it. Longest trip was 2,800 miles, averaged 300/400 miles a travel day with no problems. Longest day was 450 miles. I get anywhere from 30mpg at high speeds (75+) to 40 at low speeds (60-). I average 35mpg in my everyday riding.

Spyder rear tires are not long mileage tires. I have switched to a Yokohama tire for the rear (had to replace at 9000miles) but front OEMs are still going. Part of my short rear mileage is how easy it is to spin the rear (had to show off more times than I should, and it cost me rubber, and dollars), so I don't do that anymore......well maybe a little (but don't tell my wife!). A dealer will refuse to install a car tire, you will have to go to another bike shop to get one installed, but well worth it!

That SemiAutomatic is cool and I have really learned to love it (after 50yrs of shifting my bikes).

Be sure you get one with floorboards for foot movement, I like the F3 as it really gives you much more movement and adjustment than the RT.

I had a conventional trike like you before the Spyder. If at all possible, get a dealer/friend to let you ride a Spyder first to make sure it will work for you (it will handle different that the conventional trike). My analogy is my conventional trike was my Cadillac, my Spyder is my Corvette. The Spyder won't be as smooth a ride but will handle like a crotch rocket and it is fast.

My thoughts on my experience......

[Trail Blazer]

I've had my Spyder for a year and a half, put about 16,000 miles so far on it. Longest trip was 2,800 miles, averaged 300/400 miles a travel day with no problems. Longest day was 450 miles. I get anywhere from 30mpg at high speeds (75+) to 40 at low speeds (60-). I average 35mpg in my everyday riding.

Spyder rear tires are not long mileage tires. I have switched to a Yokohama tire for the rear (had to replace at 9000miles) but front OEMs are still going. Part of my short rear mileage is how easy it is to spin the rear (had to show off more times than I should, and it cost me rubber, and dollars), so I don't do that anymore......well maybe a little (but don't tell my wife!). A dealer will refuse to install a car tire, you will have to go to another bike shop to get one installed, but well worth it!

That SemiAutomatic is cool and I have really learned to love it (after 50yrs of shifting my bikes).

Be sure you get one with floorboards for foot movement, I like the F3 as it really gives you much more movement and adjustment than the RT.

I had a conventional trike like you before the Spyder. If at all possible, get a dealer/friend to let you ride a Spyder first to make sure it will work for you (it will handle different that the conventional trike). My analogy is my conventional trike was my Cadillac, my Spyder is my Corvette. The Spyder won't be as smooth a ride but will handle like a crotch rocket and it is fast.

My thoughts on my experience......

I can hear Jan now ( act your age OJ )

[trikermutha]

I would suggest test driving the different models and then pick the one that suits you best.

Personally I couldn't stand the stock seat but other were fine it.

Depending how you drive gas milage and ethenol will vary the MPG.

May get a good deal right now on a 17 model. Shop around.

Tires lots of opinion's on this topic.

[Ozarkryder]

Be sure to ride different models and trim levels within the models. We tested the F3, F3T and F3 Limited, the RT and RT limited. You mentioned long rides, so I would think the F3- T (T for Tour), the F3 Limited, the RT and RT Limited.

The F3 range is a touring cruiser and has less "Tupperware" than the RT. It is customizable to your size - the brake pegs and bars can be set for your height and reach with a "U-Fit" system. Plus there are a lot of aftermarket accessories such as floorboards, bars, and such. The F3-T has saddlebags in addition to the front trunk (Called the "frunk"). The F3 Limited adds a removable top trunk, rider floorboards, automatic rear suspension adjustment.

The RT is the touring range, with more body panels, some more wind protection, and more cargo space. The RT has rider heated hand grips, adjustable windshield, touring seat, etc. The Limited version adds rider floorboards,front and rear heated hand grips, automatic suspension leveling, fog lights, etc. There are accessories for the RT line, and there are aftermarket rider floorboards for the regular RT to replace the rider footpegs. The stock floorboards for the RT Limited tilt forward. This sounds awkward, but they are surprising comfortable.

The LImited versions of both lines come with some upgraded features, like the floorboards instead of pegs, and more colors and 2 cosmetic levels, chrome and dark editions.

Both the F3 and RT Spyders were comfortable, all the models have the semi-automatic transmission - you shift up with a thumb paddle, no clutch, and the machine shifts down by itself or you can use the paddle shift to manually go down through the gears. I like the foot forward riders position of the F3 line and the sportier style with less bodywork. But my wife found the rear seating position on the RT more secure and to her liking. We got the RT Limited and really enjoy it.

If you get a used one I would hold out for the 1330cc engine and the 6 speed transmission no matter if you get a used one or new. The 2019s are out but there are many new 2018's still on the dealers floor. There may be good deals on last year's model. Ours was a "training" unit, whatever that means, but it had 90 miles on it that was worth about $8000 off of a brand new one. A 2018 dealer demo could be a good find.

[bikerbillone]

Real good post, Ozark, it's as keeper.

[burgman]

Ozarkryder thank you for the info. This is what I wanted as I may buy one in the spring but I will need to ride one first to see how it feels. I want one that I feel comfortable on for sure. Riding a Burgman 650 twist and go and using hand breaks the spyder is much different using a foot break so I need to look at all the options so I don't get killed right off the bat. It is a much different ride for sure. The automatic is great I like that option much better than a foot thing on a motorcycle then before you know it one does something stupid and screws up the clutch. Automatic is much simpler plus riding with idiots on the road it is one less thing to deal with.

I will look at my dealer here in Cincinnati see what they have a take a test drink in the spring when it warms up.

Merry Christmas

[bikerbillone]

I was kind of sold on the F3TL, then you pointed out some nice features on the RTL I prefer, like heated grips, maybe the F3 has those, but the extra space is almost a must with me.

[Ozarkryder]

Burgman - Definitely ride before you buy, preferably more than just around the parking lot if possible. The transition from what you are used to won't be too bad with some experience. Brake like your car, shift with the left thumb, and if you are in the "Eco" mode there is a prompt when to shift right above the gear indicator on the dash. I think the semi-automatic gives a little more control with acceleration and engine braking.

BTW - you might check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for used or even new Spyders. We were amazed at how many low mile rides were out there. I just did a very quick Craigslist search and a dealer about 400 miles away from me has a new 2018 RT (not Limited) for $19817. A lot of used private sales are even cheaper, but that would take cash in hand, there would be some miles, there may or may not be a warranty or whatever is left of the standard or extended factory warranty.

Bikerbillone - the F3 Limited has heated grips for both the passenger and rider. The RT has heated rider grips, and the RT Limited adds heated handholds for the passenger. The F3 Limited has 36.5 gal of storage, and both the RTs have 41 gal of storage.

Gloria liked the RT better than the F3 Limited when on the passenger seat, but she liked the foot forward position a little better on the F3 when in the rider position. I have since found out a place called Spyderpops has a trunk relocation kit to give the F3 passenger more room, but for her the extra room was only a part of her preference. The F3 touring cruiser line is much customizable, but the RT touring line has better wind control, some more storage.

Check out the Can Am Spyder website for an easy way to compare the models. There are a bunch of YouTube videos- I regularly watch Finless Bob, Greatrydes and TheSmoaksVlogs.

There are many aftermarket parts for the Spyders, but I can only speak of the 3 aftermarket places I have dealt with - >Lamonster Garage is well known for the aftermarket parts they make and sell, and they are only 90 miles from me. Good customer service, a good website, fast shipping and they have a whole slew of parts, tips and ride videos going back 8 years or more.

>Spyderpops in central Arkansas has a lot of parts specific to them, also good customer service, fast shipping and unique products. Spyderpops and Lamonster Garage sell some of each others parts on their websites but they are completely separate companies.

>CanAmSpyderaccessories.com in Montreal Canada also has a series of informational product videos, installation and ride/event videos. Being in Quebec, most of the videos are in English and French. They also make a lot of their own products, have a good website,quick shipping (even though it has to come across the boarder) and customer service that surprised me. Gloria has sore knees and she often drags her heel across the glove box on the RTL when she gets on or off, and CanAmAccessories has a series of glove box protectors we decided to buy. Right before Thanksgiving there was video that they were having a "Black Friday Sale", and the protectors among other products were half price. Jumped on that, and only took a week to get from Montreal to just south of Joplin, MO. The thing that amazed me is the day before I received the package Pierre, the owner of CanAnSpyderAccessories called on the phone from Quebec to Missouri one evening thanking me for the order, asking if I had any questions and gave me a few installation tips. That is some excellent customer service. I will be ordering from them again.

Can Am has their own line of accessories, and there are other aftermarket accessory shops that have interesting websites and I have heard are good but those above are the ones that I have been a customer.

[bikerbillone]

Wow, more good 'keeper' information, sure appreciate it. I'll be checking out those videos, good way to get visual information.

Bil

[burgman]

Again thank you very much will check out the you tube vids as well. We have one can am dealer here in town don't know much about them and I really don't know anyone here in town that has a can am or bought one from this dealer. I l have went on line looked at the dealers used bikes and for the mileage on them rather expensive but i bet they can deal on the price.

I looked on E bay today see they have some spyders for sale but not sure if I would buy anything from a website like this. They had one there a 16 model had one mile on it as a demo. How can a 2016 have one mile on the bike as a demo? That doesn't sound right.

When I buy one most likely it will be a Spyder RT as I need luggage compartments so the RT looks like the ride but I need to ride one first make sure it works for my short legs.

[trikermutha]

Check Imotorsports when you make up your mind. They do ship Spyders and hear they give good deals

I personally Like a taller and wider windshield and the Non stock seat. (Ultimate)

This is used on a RT and use the F4 windshield very well made.

[Ozarkryder]

Check Imotorsports when you make up your mind. They do ship Spyders and hear they give good deals

I personally Like a taller and wider windshield and the Non stock seat. (Ultimate)

This is used on a RT and use the F4 windshield very well made.

F4 windshields are about the toughest windscreen you can get. When the stock 'shield on my 1990 HD FLHS got too scratched up I went to a Cee Baileys screen. Some horses rectum etched on that screen with something pointy (and didn't touch the rest of the bike!?) and I got an F4. I had seen a a demonstration of the F4 where they had whatever they do make their windshields so tough on one half and the normal plastic on the other half. A windshield wiper was set up with steel wool as the blade and they let it run. after a few hours the normal side was getting scratched up, by the end of the rally you couldn't see through it. The F4 side was still clear as new. They are expensive compared to a lot of other windshields, but you will not wear it out. You can get them for the F3 and RT Spyders in different heights and some widths depending on your preference.

The fuel filler on the F3 is in the normal motorcycle place, but in order to get to the fuel filler on the RT you have to lift the seat. Any passenger has to get off, or if you are touring solo and have luggage on the passenger set it has to come off. A neat thing about the Ultimate and Corbin seats for the RT is they have a gas door. The door on the Corbin is a formed in flap over the gas cap under your left front knee and melds in with the vinyl or leather of the seat. The Ultimate uses a chrome or black aluminum round gas door like the ones you can get at custom auto stores or on line. I thought this was a great idea, so of course when we changed the seat she, uh, WE had a Diamond made. No gas door. We have had Diamond seats on the last 2 trikes, a Goldwing 1500 and an 1800, and loved them. We are very satisfied with the one on the Spyder, even have the same material and pattern we had on the last 2 seats. I'd suggest you try the stock seat for while before you pony up for an aftermarket seat. Who knows, you might just like the stock saddle. I did on the Harley, been sitting on it for 26 years. Both of us immediately hated the stock seat on the Goldwings, and for us the stock Spyder seat was good for about 50 miles before the "fidgets" set in, and about 75 miles a break was in order. For us, the Diamond is a gas stop to gas stop seat. Seats are very subjective so literally, YMMV.

[trikermutha]

F4 windshields are about the toughest windscreen you can get. When the stock 'shield on my 1990 HD FLHS got too scratched up I went to a Cee Baileys screen. Some horses rectum etched on that screen with something pointy (and didn't touch the rest of the bike!?) and I got an F4. I had seen a a demonstration of the F4 where they had whatever they do make their windshields so tough on one half and the normal plastic on the other half. A windshield wiper was set up with steel wool as the blade and they let it run. after a few hours the normal side was getting scratched up, by the end of the rally you couldn't see through it. The F4 side was still clear as new. They are expensive compared to a lot of other windshields, but you will not wear it out. You can get them for the F3 and RT Spyders in different heights and some widths depending on your preference.

The fuel filler on the F3 is in the normal motorcycle place, but in order to get to the fuel filler on the RT you have to lift the seat. Any passenger has to get off, or if you are touring solo and have luggage on the passenger set it has to come off. A neat thing about the Ultimate and Corbin seats for the RT is they have a gas door. The door on the Corbin is a formed in flap over the gas cap under your left front knee and melds in with the vinyl or leather of the seat. The Ultimate uses a chrome or black aluminum round gas door like the ones you can get at custom auto stores or on line. I thought this was a great idea, so of course when we changed the seat she, uh, WE had a Diamond made. No gas door. We have had Diamond seats on the last 2 trikes, a Goldwing 1500 and an 1800, and loved them. We are very satisfied with the one on the Spyder, even have the same material and pattern we had on the last 2 seats. I'd suggest you try the stock seat for while before you pony up for an aftermarket seat. Who knows, you might just like the stock saddle. I did on the Harley, been sitting on it for 26 years. Both of us immediately hated the stock seat on the Goldwings, and for us the stock Spyder seat was good for about 50 miles before the "fidgets" set in, and about 75 miles a break was in order. For us, the Diamond is a gas stop to gas stop seat. Seats are very subjective so literally, YMMV.

I has seen some retrofit a gas door on the stock seats too if you want to go that route.

Yeah the F4 is one tough windshield. I been using mine now for almost 5 years and the only thing I have is a small stone chip that I just got this year. Other than that I been really happy with it.

[Big Juice]

I can hear Jan now ( act your age OJ )

Hey Junior, if I acted my age, I would be as old as you........well, almost........